Description:

General Summary: IILA has a proud heritage in defending the rights of immigrants and immigration legal services have been part of our mission since our founding in 1914. We have participated in virtually every refugee and immigration program of the modern era, including the Silva Letter, Cuban Adjustment, NACARA, dreamers/DACA, and numerous other cases. In 2016, we were proud to join in an Amicus brief filing in the important and successful case of Santos M. regarding SIJS issues in California Courts. We are seeking a temporary Staff Attorney to join our tight-knit, dynamic, hardworking, passionate, and committed Immigration Legal Services team. The right candidate will value collaboration and will also have the ability to work independently. They will also be passionate about social justice for immigrants. The Staff Attorney will work under the supervision of the Directing Attorney and provide immigration legal representation in a high-volume, fast-paced removal defense practice. This position will primarily focus on representing unaccompanied children who have been released from federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody and are in removal proceedings. The ideal candidate will be prepared to step into an active caseload and immediately assist with preparation for and representation at individual merits hearings, particularly for children whose asylum cases have been referred from the asylum office and placed before the immigration court for adjudication. The position requires the ability to manage urgent deadlines, provide trauma-informed representation, and advocate effectively for vulnerable youth facing removal proceeding.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Provide direct immigration legal representation to eligible clients, primarily unaccompanied minors and other immigrant youth in removal proceedings. 
Conduct client consultations and case assessments involving asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U visas, T visas, VAWA petitions, adjustment of status, detention and removal defense matters, and other available forms of immigration relief.
Prepare applications, declarations, supporting evidence, and other documentation for immigration court and related immigration proceedings.
Research, draft, and file motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other pleadings, including legal research and writing in support of asylum and other removal defense cases.
Prepare for and represent clients at master calendar hearings, individual merits hearings, and other immigration court proceedings, as appropriate.
Prepare for and represent clients in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), including Updated 10-05-26 evaluating appellate issues, conducting legal research, drafting appellate briefs, and filing related motions and supporting documentation.
Maintain case files, case notes, client databases, and other records in accordance with program requirements and as directed by the Directing Attorney.
Provide appropriate bilingual and bicultural services, including client support, referrals to community resources, outreach activities, and assistance in accessing needed services.
Maintain accurate records, safeguard confidential client information, and ensure compliance with all ethical and program requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Directing Attorney, Managing Attorney, or Division Director.

Job Requirements:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required; active membership in the California State Bar preferred.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish preferred.
Prior knowledge of and experience with immigration law strongly preferred.
Strong case management, legal research, legal writing, and advocacy skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, colleagues, courts, and external stakeholders.
Excellent time management skills and demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness of legal filings and case records.
Experience working with children, youth, trauma-affected populations, or vulnerable immigrant communities preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights, social justice, public interest law, or community-based advocacy.
Passion for advancing social justice for immigrants.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Intermittent or sometimes continuous sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
Daily keyboarding and use of computer for a minimum of four hours.
Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.
Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Salary Range:
The salary for the Staff Attorney I position begins at $85,000 and depends on experience. Updated 10-05-26

Benefits Package:
We offer an excellent benefit package to our employees. It includes 100% Employer Paid Medical, Dental HMO, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Basic Life and AD&D insurance. We also offer Voluntary Life, Accident, Hospitalization, Critical Illness and Long-Term Disability insurance policies in which you may choose to enroll. We have a generous Paid Time Off program (up to 5 weeks per year), 11 Paid Holidays plus one Personal Day each year as well as a 401 (k) retirement plan with a Safe Harbor Match where we match your contribution dollar for dollar up to a maximum of 4% of your total compensation along with an annual profit-sharing plan (vesting applies). At IILA, we work only 37.50 hours each week to allow our employees the opportunity to enjoy a better work/life balance so they may spend more time with their family and friends.

Job Site Location:
3845 Selig Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90031 This is a hybrid position. The attorney must work on site three days/week and can work remotely two days/week.